ISLAMABAD: The sole ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Punjab which has been giving constant ice-cold shoulder to the government over some issues has finally drew the attention of Prime Minister Imran Khan who, on Friday directed some senior party leaders to address the issues of the allied party.

The sources privy to the development told Business Recorder that the prime minister tried to speak to Chaudhry Shujaat Hussian, the PML-Q president, but could not talk to him as he is undergoing treatment at a local hospital due to some ailments.

The prime minister also spoke to Chaudhry Shafie Hussain, the son of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussian, and inquired after the health of his father. He also wanted to speak to Chaudhry but it could not be made possible as he was on ventilator.

A day ago, the leadership of the PML-Q skipped a luncheon given by the prime minister, with some of the leadership openly venting their anger on the government for not addressing their reservations.

This was the second time, the PML-Q leadership turned down the invitation by the prime minister to attend a feast in honour of the allied political parties, signalling its displeasure over unfulfilled commitments. However, this time when they skipped the luncheon and the joint opposition holding protests against the government, left the prime minister with no option but to woo the party.

The sources said that the government would contact the PML-Q leadership including the Chaudhry of Gujrat and Tariq Bashir Cheema, the minister for housing to allay their concerns.

Senior PTI leader and Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood expressed optimism that the concerns of the PML-Q would be addressed as efforts were being made to sort out the issues. He said that in alliances, disagreements and reservations were nothing new, adding the prime minister had set up a committee comprising Asad Umar, Pervez Khattak, and Chaudhry Sarwar to address issues of the coalition partners.

Meanwhile, senior government officials reached Services Hospital Lahore to check on ailing PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Friday. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar inquired after his health and wished him a speedy recovery. In the afternoon, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Zulfi Bukhari also reached the hospital and met Chaudhry Pervez Elahi.

And from the centre, Federal Minister Azam Khan Swati made it to Lahore all the way from Islamabad, and met Chaudhry brothers. Swati presented a bouquet to Chaudhry Shujaat and prayed for his speedy recovery. Former prime minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has been shifted to Services Hospital due to chest infection. Dr Amjad, the principal of SIMS, told the media that he was now in good health and a medical board had been formed to monitor his condition.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020